Sacramental Preparation

Baptism

Monthly seminars are held to prepare parents and godparents for the responsibility they are committing themselves to in asking for Baptism of a child. The seminars are designed to review the holy and sacred aspects of family life and how family life is the basis of faith life. We incorporate Scripture and the challenges of living a Christian life today. We also review some very practical aspects of Baptism here at St. Philip. Information forms are filled out, dates for Baptism are chosen, and we rehearse the ritual of Baptism. The seminar lasts about 1½ hours. Nursery service is provided.

For more information about Baptism seminars, contact Connie Gourlie, 972-436-9581.

Confirmation

This preparation is open to all students who are 15 years of age or older, are baptized, and are able to renew their baptismal promises. For this sacramental track, youth should have been regularly attending RE classes, be attending Mass and receiving Eucharist on a regular basis, be willing to commit to active involvement in the parish Confirmation process, and be willing to continue to grow in faith throughout their lifetime. The specific curriculum and class dates/times will be announced in our annual parish information letter mailed to all registered parishioners in late July/early August. Contact Susan Sandles, 972-219-5838.

Eucharist

This preparation is open to all students who have reached the age of discretion (usually around the age of seven), are baptized, and are attending Mass on a regular basis. They should demonstrate a desire to celebrate the sacrament, and have an age-appropriate understanding of the sacrament. They should also have prepared for and been given the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance. The student should be enrolled in current RE program for their grade level. Parents attend a preparation meeting to learn the theology of the sacrament and the ritual of the sacrament here at St. Philip. There will be a period of home study for the parent(s) and child of approximately six weeks, and a rehearsal prior to the celebrations. Contact Susan Sandles, 972-219-5838.

Confirmation and Eucharist in the Restored Order

Restoring the original order of the initiation sacraments–Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist–the enrollment in this sacramental process is on a limited basis. The preparation is open to students who have reached the age of discretion (usually age seven), are attending Mass on a regular basis, and are enrolled in a RE program for their grade level. Parents, the students, and older siblings participate as a family unit for a six-week course. Families then participate in these initiation sacraments along with the candidates in the RCIA program, during the Easter season. Contact Susan Sandles, 972-219-5838.

Penance

The preparation for this sacrament is open to all students who have reached the age of discretion, are baptized, are attending Mass on a regular basis, and have an age-appropriate understanding of the sacrament. The student should be enrolled in a current RE program for their grade level. Parents attend a meeting to learn the theology of this sacrament. Then there is a period of home study with the parent and child (approximately six weeks). We recommend that the family attends a Reconciliation Rite II liturgy before the reception of the sacrament. Contact Susan Sandles, 972-219-5838.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

In order for an adult to become a Catholic, they are admitted to the Rite of Christian Initiation.

The process is looked upon as a spiritual journey for adults. Participants learn about the Church, show an interest and desire to become Christians, and grow in their faith development centered around prayer, reading of Scripture, and Roman Catholic tradition. RCIA can also be a process that allows Catholics to update themselves about teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. The three sacraments of initiation–Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist–are celebrated at the Easter Vigil. Contact Gail-Ann Colaruotolo, 972-219-8471.

Matrimony

Preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony is a nine-month to one-year process that includes Pre-Cana, Engaged Encounter weekend, FOCCUS (a method of assessing compatibility), and Sponsor Couples. The parish provides Marriage Prep classes on a regular basis. Information is also available to have a civil marriage blessed by the Catholic Church. Contact Deacon Ray Lamarre, 972-219-1686.

Anointing of the Sick

Of course there is no "preparation" for the reception of this sacrament. Any person who is seriously ill, elderly, or will be undergoing surgery can receive this sacrament. Our usual celebration for this sacrament occurs during Mass enabling the entire assembly to enter into prayer for that person. However, other accommodations can be made, such as in the home, in the hospital, or privately in church. Notify the receptionist as you come to Mass that you would like anointing. For additional information, contact Joanne Jensen, 972-219-0972.